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Senior Spacecraft Embedded Software Engineer

Join Varda as a Senior Embedded Software Engineer to develop reliable firmware for spacecraft operations in a pioneering space startup.

Location
El Segundo, California, United States
Compensation
$169.1k–$216.0k/yr
Level
senior
Type
full time · On-site

Posted by employer 2 days ago

First seen on Joblaze 2 days ago

Last verified on the company career page 7 hours ago

Skills & Technologies

C++ RTOS Linux Flexible on stack

What you'll build

  • Develop reliable firmware for spacecraft operations
  • Own all aspects of software development
  • Scope projects including requirements capture
  • Write quality structured software for embedded processors
  • Ensure system quality through software testing

Must have

  • Bachelor's degree in computer science, math, physics, engineering or equivalent
  • 5+ years of experience in spacecraft or safety critical software
  • Experience developing and testing real-time embedded systems
  • Experience with development in C++

Nice to have

  • Experience with safety-critical software for aerospace
  • Experience with additional programming languages such as Python or Rust
  • Strong understanding of computer architecture and operating systems

Practical constraints

  • Must be a U.S. person for access to export-controlled items

Requirements

Experience
5+ years
Education
Bachelor's degree
Visa
No sponsorship (stated in posting)

Benefits

401k Match Gym Membership Equity/Stock Options Health Insurance Relocation Assistance Parental Leave

Joblaze summary

The Senior Embedded Software Engineer at Varda Space focuses on developing and maintaining the firmware that governs spacecraft operations throughout their missions. This role requires expertise in C++ and experience with real-time embedded systems, emphasizing safety-critical software development. Ideal candidates have a strong background in aerospace or similar fields, with at least five years of relevant experience. Varda's team is composed of industry veterans, fostering a collaborative environment aimed at advancing commercial space infrastructure.

Joblaze insights

  • Listed 2 days ago — first seen on Joblaze September 19, 2026. Last confirmed on Varda Space's careers page September 21, 2026.
  • Salary band is above the typical range for comparable tech roles (median ~$126,887).
  • Starts above 64% of 99 comparable senior other roles in United States that list C++ we track (median $165,000 across 23 companies). See C++ salary trends
  • C++ appears in 7.3% of 2168 comparable senior other roles in United States; RTOS appears in 0.6% of 2168 comparable senior other roles in United States.

Quick facts

Is the Senior Spacecraft Embedded Software Engineer role remote?
No — this is an on-site role in El Segundo, California, United States.
What's the salary range?
Varda Space lists $169,067–$216,031 for this role.
How much experience is required?
At least 5 years of relevant experience for this Senior Spacecraft Embedded Software Engineer role.
Where is the role based?
Varda Space is hiring for this position in El Segundo, California, United States.
What's the tech stack?
Joblaze extracted these technologies from the posting: C++, Linux, RTOS.
What seniority level is this role?
Varda Space targets senior candidates for this position.
Is this full-time or contract?
Full-time for this Senior Spacecraft Embedded Software Engineer role at Varda Space.

From the original posting

About Varda

About This Role

The Senior Embedded Software Engineer on the Flight Software team is responsible for determining how our spacecraft behaves & operates in orbit and building reliable software to ensure it happens. They are responsible for all phases of development, starting from requirements capture through testing and flight operational support.

Responsibilities

  • Develop reliable firmware to control how the spacecraft, satellite bus, and reentry capsule operate through the entire mission.
  • Own all aspects of software development, from design, testing, and integration.
  • Scope projects including requirements capture and initial design trades given open-ended problems.
  • Write quality structured bare metal, RTOS, or Linux based software for embedded processors in C++.
  • Build highly reliable and available software systems.
  • Ensure system quality and performance through software test, verification, and validation (V&V) techniques.

Basic Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in computer science, math, physics, engineering or equivalent technical experience in safety critical software.
  • 5+ years of experience in the development of spacecraft or similar safety critical software.
  • Experience developing and testing real-time embedded hardware / software systems.
  • Experience with development in C++, along with a strong understanding of language concepts.

Preferred Skills and Experience

  • Experience with safety-critical software, especially for aerospace applications.
  • Experience with additional programming languages such as Python or Rust.
  • Strong understanding of computer architecture, operating systems, data structures, and computer networking.

Pay Range

  • Salary range: Senior Software Engineer: $169,067 - $216,031/ per year.
  • This role is on-site in El Segundo, CA.
  • Leveling and base salary is determined by job-related skills, education level, experience level, and job performance.
  • You will be eligible for incentives in the form of stock options and/or long-term cash awards.

Benefits

Regular Full-Time Positions:

Health & Wellness

  • Flexible PTO policy + 12 paid holidays 
  • Voluntary accident, hospital, critical illness, and pet insurance 
  • 12 weeks of parental leave (with supplemental disability leave for CA mothers) 
  • Family building, pregnancy, parenting and menopause benefits via Maven Clinic 
  • Sponsored One Medical memberships for employees and their dependents 

Financial & Retirement

  • $20/pay period cell phone reimbursement 
  • Relocation support for new hires, if needed 

Workplace Experience & Perks

  • Company and team-bonding events, happy hours and mission-success celebrations
  • Complimentary EV charging

Benefits for Internship Positions:

Health & Wellness  

  • Paid observed holidays.  

Financial  

  • $20/pay period cell phone reimbursement.  

Workplace Experience & Perks

  • Company and team-bonding events, happy hours and mission-success celebrations
  • Complimentary EV charging

E-Verify Statement

E-Verify Notice Right To Work Notice

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